Employ Older Americans Week set for Sept. 23-30

Submitted Photo
Pictured are (sitting) Jerry Osborne, former Senior Community Service Employment Program participant now employed, along with (standing from left) Laura Lupole, Darla Mellring and Pat Baker, SCSEP participants.

Employ Older Americans Week has been designated by the United States Department of Labor to occur during the last week of September which is Sept. 23-30. This period is set aside to recognize the many attributes which are exhibited by our mature workers.

Some very interesting elements have recently been presented. It is worth knowing what is happening in our current work force when considering job applicants.

Workers older than 55 will make up almost a quarter of the U. S. labor force.

Older workers are increasingly remaining on the job beyond the traditional retirement age because of economic factors and because they truly enjoy their jobs.

These seasoned workers are a great opportunity for businesses. Employers are strongly encouraged to realize the tremendous value of experience, knowledge, dependability, dedication, commitment, flexibility and concern for others in the work situation.

Training in new areas sometimes could be a barrier for some jobs. Mature workers are eager to be trained and learn readily.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) of the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging is able to provide training and current work experience by placing individuals in not for profit or government sites to prepare them for various occupations. Program participants engage in training while they are in this work setting and also fulfill the need for community service. Funding for SCSEP is provided through Senior Service America, Inc. which is a national contractor for the Department of Labor.

Remember if you want someone to be there and get the job done, the mature worker is the solution.

For more information, call Linda Spaulding at 753-4856 or New York Connects at 753-4582 at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging.